Madagascan forests are some of the most diverse and ecologically significant in the world, with 75% of the species endemic to the area. As it stands, less than 10% of the island’s primary forests remain.
Over the years, the dense mangrove estuaries that protect the coastline have been targeted by charcoal producers and tree poachers, destroying once-productive fisheries, and exposing coastal communities to extreme weather events. Inland, deforestation is threatening one of the world’s rarest and most diverse forest systems.
Our fundraising efforts support four different planting sites along Madagascar’s north-western coast: Antsanitia, Akalamboro, Vilamatsa and Mangaroa/Besley.
Antsanitia
Site coordinates: 15°37’15.47”S, 46°26’22.70”E
Planting partner: Eden Reforestation Project
Forest type: Mangrove (Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)
The Antsanitia planting site is found on Madagascar’s north western coast, just 15 miles from the regional capital of Mahajanga. The landscape is characterised by a deep-water estuary lined with dense mangrove forest that serves ocean life and the local Malagasy alike.
Abundant with giant barracuda, stingrays, mangrove snappers, jacks, and schools of marine life, these forests also serve as an essential fishery for shrimp, crab, and shellfish.
Being a prime target for charcoal producers and tree poachers, the mangrove forest channel has dwindled significantly over the last ten years; this has massively impacted the area’s delicate and diverse ecosystems. Both the government and local Malagasy communities are in support of the long-term conservation and restoration of the old-growth mangrove forest.
Akalamboro
Site coordinates: 16°12’34.48”S, 44°59’26.88”E
Planting partner: Eden Reforestation Project
Forest type:Mangrove (Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)
The Akalamboro
planting site lies on the remarkable Akalamboro estuary, comprising of lowland
mangrove forest. The estuary is unique in that it has a deep-water canal connecting
with extensive, freshwater river systems; these conditions provide the ideal habitat
for a number of endangered species, including the Malagasy sacred ibis (threskiornis
bernieri) and the critically endangered giant sawfish (pristis pristis).
Prior to starting the project, excessive charcoal
production and wood collection for cooking and construction had severely
impacted the health of these diverse and bountiful mangrove forests.
Today, with the help of your sponsorship and active participation
from the local community, native mangrove reforestation and forest protection
efforts are regenerating the forest and securing the habitats for future
generations of endangered species.
Vilamatsa
Site coordinates: 16°16’17.09”S, 44°26’47.66”E
Planting partner: Eden Reforestation Project
Forest type: Mangrove (Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)
On Madagascar’s farthest western point near Cape St. Andre, you’ll find the Vilamatsa village surrounded by lowland mangrove forest. While serving as a vital resource for local people and wildlife, the area’s forests have been severely impacted by deforestation and degradation because of charcoal production and wood collection activities.
The local community have been integral in driving the success of the Vilamatsa reforestation project. Keen to follow in the success of the nearby Mahabana Estuary, village farmers are employed to plant native mangrove species and protect the existing forest infrastructure. The locals have become trusted and committed partners in the long-term reforestation and protection of this important estuary.
Mangaroa/Besely
Site coordinates: 15°52’21.03”S, 46°30’32.33”E
Planting partner: Eden Reforestation Project
Forest type: Dry, deciduous forest
Nestled between Route 4 National Road (RN4) and the Betsiboka River Estuary, you will find our Mangaroa/Besely planting site. Initially identified in Eden’s partnership with the Madagascan Ministry of the Environment in 2013, it has been a protected planting site ever since.
Not so long ago, the landscape was covered with dry deciduous forest which harbours a collection of endemic tree species, as well as eight different lemur species. Like many other sites in the surrounding area, the Mangaroa/Besely site was almost completely converted to grasslands by fire, uncontrolled grazing, and slash-and- burn agriculture.
With invaluable help from sponsors, the Madagascan team can continue and grow this reforestation site, restoring the forest’s vitality and preserving the area’s biodiversity. The planting teams use a palette of over 60 different species (including pioneer, baobab, and agroforestry species) alongside diverse planting methods to restore deforested and degraded areas.
Madagascar gallery
UN SDGs
By planting trees in Madagascar, we’re helping support 10 of the 17 UN SDGs:
Goal 1 - No poverty
Hiring community members to reforest mangroves
Goal 2 - Zero hunger
Providing communities with the means to purchase and grow food
Goal 3 - Good health & wellbeing
Providing meaningul work and supportive communities
Goal 5 - Gender equality
Providing women and men with work and the means to support themselves
Goal 8 - Decent work & economic growth
Creating jobs and opportunities to boost the area
Goal 10 - Reduced inequalities
Lifting people out of poverty and allowing them to earn a living
Goal 13 - Climate action
Planting trees that will go on to sequester CO2 in the future
Goal 14 - Life below water
Providing water filtration, improving habitats and regulating rainfall
Goal 15 - Life on land
Reducing flooding, providing habitats and improving soil quality
Goal 17 - Partnership for the goals
Working together to support sustainable development for our planet
UN SDGs
By planting trees in Kenya we’re helping support 10 of the 17 UN SDGs:
Goal 1 - No poverty
Goal 2 - Zero hunger
Goal 3 - Good health & wellbeing
Goal 5 - Gender equality
Goal 8 - Decent work & economic growth
Goal 10 - Reduced inequalities
Goal 13 - Climate action
Goal 14 - Life below water
Goal 15 - Life on land
Goal 17 - Partnership for the goals